Kentucky 2012 Spring Squirrel Hunting Season

KY FWR
The spring squirrel season in Kentucky, which started as an experiment on four state wildlife management areas in 1994, went statewide in 1999. The season opens on the third Saturday in May, is 28 days long, and continues through the third Friday in June.

This year, the season dates are May 19-June 15. A hunting license is required unless the hunter is license exempt.

Squirrels are Kentucky’s most stable and abundant small game species.

The spring season opens after the first of two nesting periods. Young squirrels leave the nest after 45 days, to venture off on their own. Litters are typically three to four squirrels.

The gray squirrel is the dominant species in the eastern third of Kentucky, with a higher percentage of fox squirrels in far western Kentucky. Gray squirrels are most often found in large tracts of forest lands. Fox squirrels prefer small woodlots and wooded fencerows of agricultural areas.

Shooting Hours: Shooting hours for the spring squirrel season are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. However, hunters may be in the field before and after shooting hours.

Bag Limit: Daily limit is 6 squirrels; possession limit is 12.

To report sightings of illegal activities, or if you have questions please call The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife at 1-800-858-1549.